Another day another trade with the Kansas City Chiefs for the New England Patriots. This time they traded quarterback Matt Cassel for a second round draft pick (34th overall).
Cassel took over for Tom Brady in Game 1 of the season and led the Patriots to an 11-5 record, falling just short of a playoff berth. Cassel threw for 3,693 yards and 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while starting 15 games.
Bill Belichick had high praise for Cassel in a brief statement:
“It is very easy to root for guys like Matt Cassel, who do everything the right way and flourish as a result. As much as we would have loved to continue working with Matt, we wish him nothing but the best as he takes this next step forward in his career.”
I’m not sure I understand how the Patriots only could get a second round pick for Cassel. I honestly figured that he would have netted the Patriots a 1st and 3rd round pick.
The Patriots will now move forward with Tom Brady as their QB1. As of right now, Kevin O’Connell and Matt Gutierrez will compete for the back up position.
In other Patriots news, they announced that they have signed running back Fred Taylor to a contract.
Update: It turns out that the Vrabel trade was also part of this. So it was Vrabel and Cassel for a second round pick. Now this really makes me wonder if the Patriots gave Pioli a little friendly discount. I understand the cap implications but they really could have gotten more for both of them.
